Place AEDs in accessible spots, says Komtar rep

SINCE the implementation of the ‘Heart-Safe Penang’ programme by the state government in 2015, many automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were installed at various places in Penang.

 

Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said it is necessary to ensure that the AEDs are placed at strategic places for the public to easily get access to them during emergencies.

 

“Previously, we have installed AEDs in strategic locations such as the Botanical Garden and Esplanade which can be categorised as high traffic locations.

 

“The state government has joined hands with the public sector as well as the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to make available the AEDs to the public as cardiac arrest can happen without a warning.

 

“And sometimes, even medications cannot help to revive the patients. Thus, it is important that everyone is equipped with the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills.

 

“We can help to resuscitate patients with CPR and AED while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Every second counts,’’ said Teh during the AED handover ceremony at St Paul Church on Nov 3.

(right) Teh participating in the emergency response training session which was held during the ceremony

Penang Heart Safe Programme chairman Datuk Dr Luah Lean Wah, who was also present, said the CPR and AED go together when saving one’s life.

 

“It is crucial to understand that the AED works along with CPR. When we perform CPR, we are actually doing chest compressions to prevent the patient’s organs from dying.

 

“On the other hand, AED is an electronic device used to restart a person’s heart when it has stopped beating.

 

“It analyses the heart’s rhythm and if needed, sends an electrical shock to help re-establish an effective rhythm,” said Luah.

 

St Paul Church vicar Rev Dr Stephen Soe conveyed his heartfelt thanks to Teh for contributing the AED to the church.

 

Cpl Sergio Ferdinand Villenguez from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) conducted a training on emergency response during the ceremony.

 

Story by Tanushalini Moroter

Pix by Revatic Govindaraju